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Re: Whats to love about Americans? [Re: Icelander]
    #6115055 -

Well, what im saynig is off topic, so technically, im telling the truth. :grin:


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Re: Whats to love about Americans? [Re: gettinjiggywithit]
    #6115097 -

I think you are a friendly people. Met a lot of nice people when in Long Island that took good care of me and my mate.


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We're the lowest of the low, the scum of the fucking earth!

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Re: Whats to love about Americans? [Re: Scarfmeister]
    #6115205 -

Personally I think it is a mistake to single out "American" culture as some monolithic evil when the same dynamics at play in America are essentially repeated across the globe. Culture itself is the enemy as it serves to force people to abide by guidelines for structuring life that are arrived at and accepted by a collective that doesn’t necessarily take the individual or small group into consideration.
The division of labor exists in all but the most primitive cultures. The super short list of similarities between America and Sweden; specialization, hierarchical structures based on class/race/gender/religion, alienation, yadda yadda.
As individuals there really is nothing we can do to resolve these complex issues however we can work on altering the trajectory of our lives in a manner that diminishes the more dehumanizing aspects of culture in exchange something more pleasant, of course this may be illegal, sooooo… remain invisible.
I simply can't hate America because I love coffee and cigarettes. For better or worse I’m dependant upon America to enable the satisfaction of these vices.
We are all doomed… who was it that said, and I’m paraphrasing, “the only lasting gift of modernity is nihilism”?

georgem

Edited by georgeM (09/29/06 11:38 AM)

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Re: Whats to love about Americans? [Re: georgeM]
    #6115219 -

check out the big brains on brad!


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We're the lowest of the low, the scum of the fucking earth!

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Re: Whats to love about Americans? [Re: Scarfmeister]
    #6115220 -

Shroomnoob said:
I think you are a friendly people. Met a lot of nice people when in Long Island that took good care of me and my mate.


Generally, yes. There are probably just as many good things about the U.S. as there are bad things. The bad things get publicized more frequently because, let's face it, controversy sells. No one wants to read about a nice old woman who took in a complete stranger to help him, unless the stranger ended up murdering her. For the most part, people here value privacy and freedom. It's the damn watchdog groups that try to protect everyone from themselves that gives us all a bad rap.

Americans' lack of culture IS their culture.


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Here comes the sun, do n do do,
Here comes the sun, and I say,
It's alright...

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Re: Whats to love about Americans? [Re: niteowl]
    #6115315 -

When I hear the word 'American' I hear the word 'Arrogance'.

Of course this is an unfair generalization, as I know many American individuals who don't represent this. However I want to make it clear that my resentment for 'American policy' is not a form of hate, it is only a want for change.





(I have a strange viewpoint, somewhat more about the entity 'America' itself than any of the individuals it is made up of)

But moving on, assuming the America to be the epitome of arrogance, there is still much to love:

The ability to believe in one's self so strongly can be a lovable attribute. I find it is not the arrogance itself of American culture which creates the evils afflicting the world today. In fact, if the psychedelic youth of yesteryear were to have succeeded, I believe they could have ridden the wave of self-righteousness into the rest of the world more powerfully than any other group. They could have spread healing and enlightenment like never before.

Self-righteousness in itself is neither good nor evil. The forces twisting today's America into the hideous mess of terrorism and intolerance that it is are not based on arrogance alone. The hate that is flooding the world is caused by this righteousness in combination with unwillingness to have open eyes, or in combination with ignorance.

Example: You are sitting at your computer, you look around your room, and see dozens, if not hundreds, of material possessions.
You, yourself, are probably not an importer. You are probably blissfully unaware of the pain that went into producing these items. A dead child to your left, in that 'Made in China' telephone, a husband stolen from wife in that lamp.

Yet you believe you had no part in this pain.



So where is the part to love?
The part to love is in the absolute power that the country has wielded to cause these events. The fact that the power is so mobilized means it is very unstable, this, in turn, means it would take merely a few good people to turn the tide of the entire world.

One popular television spokesperson could opt to spread enlightenment instead of propaganda. The entire world may change because of him.

One forward thinking president could disarm trillions of dollars worth of killing machines, on his word alone.

One scientist could discover a sidestep to our energy crisis that would render all of the murderers-for-oil strewn across the globe useless.





My love for America resides in the knowledge that such a small number of people hold such power over the globe, and the hope that someday they will use it for giving, and not snatching away.

America has the oppertunity to learn the biggest lesson in history. That it can make you happier to dream for others than for yourself.

That oppertunity is what I love.


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Know your self.
Know your substance.
Know your source.

The most distorted perspective possible is the perspective that yours is not distorted.

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Re: Whats to love about Americans? [Re: gettinjiggywithit]
    #6115419 -

Quote:
Whats to love about Americans?


Money.

But the same is true of Europeans, Japanese, Canadians, Australians...

America as a culture is, however, probably the most militaristic of the Western cultures, so if you like war, boot camp and top of the line weaponry, there's a lot to love about America.


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So long as you are praised think only that you are not yet on your own path but on that of another.

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Re: Whats to love about Americans? [Re: Ravus]
    #6115569 -

"if you like war, boot camp and top of the line weaponry, there's a lot to love about America."

I have never heard it put quite that way. I guess that could be a positive statement of a sort.


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"A warrior is a hunter. He calculates everything. That's control. Once his calculations are over, he acts. He lets go. That's abandon. A warrior is not a leaf at the mercy of the wind. No one can push him; no one can make him do things against himself or against his better judgment. A warrior is tuned to survive, and he survives in the best of all possible fashions." ― Carlos Castaneda

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Re: Whats to love about Americans? [Re: Ravus]
    #6118065 -

Ravus said:
Quote:
Whats to love about Americans?


Money.

But the same is true of Europeans, Japanese, Canadians, Australians...

America as a culture is, however, probably the most militaristic of the Western cultures, so if you like war, boot camp and top of the line weaponry, there's a lot to love about America.



There are many sad things about American culture. I therefore choose to look at individuals and there I can find what is good.

It's great to see you posting here Ravus. I have missed it.


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"Don't believe everything you think". -Anom.

" All that lives was born to die"-Anom.

With much wisdom comes much sorrow,
The more knowledge, the more grief.
Ecclesiastes circa 350 BC

Edited by Icelander (09/30/06 09:52 AM)

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Re: Whats to love about Americans? [Re: Icelander]
    #6118274 -

"There are many sad things about American culture."

Yes, but why not focus on positive change instead of dwelling on what we do not like.

"I was once asked why I don't participate in anti-war demonstrations. I said that I will never do that, but as soon as you have a pro-peace rally, I'll be there." --Mother Teresa


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"A warrior is a hunter. He calculates everything. That's control. Once his calculations are over, he acts. He lets go. That's abandon. A warrior is not a leaf at the mercy of the wind. No one can push him; no one can make him do things against himself or against his better judgment. A warrior is tuned to survive, and he survives in the best of all possible fashions." ― Carlos Castaneda

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Re: Whats to love about Americans? [Re: Huehuecoyotl]
    #6118489 -

Don't recall a lot of the replies in this thread off the top of my head, but I thought that I would chime in and state that I think America is going to do it again. :wink:

America really started to grow and expand with the influx of all sorts of nationalities from various regions of the globe; in fact, our history as a country is ripe with all sorts of different groups of individuals from different countries and areas all trying to work out what to do with this continent.

America is becoming more of a melting pot all the time, especially with the Hispanic, Middle Eastern, and African populations that are arriving in this country.

At the same time, I think that we will not have to face the same troubles that come with the same thing happening in countries like Britian and other European countries, wherein their new populations choose not to integrate and the youth are lawlessness. I think that, in dealing with the Islamic extremists, we are setting a course in which we will ensure that our country will remain stable, and that we will all melt together.

Just some thoughts that I was having while enhanced. We always oscillate around and bring ourselves back into balance as a result. I see no reason that this country is not going to further develop and evolve.

:earth: :sun: :headbang: :levitate:
Peace. :mushroom2:


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:redpanda:
If I should die this very moment
I wouldn't fear
For I've never known completeness
Like being here
Wrapped in the warmth of you
Loving every breath of you
:heartpump: :bunnyhug: :yinyang:

:yinyang: :levitate: :earth: :levitate: :yinyang:

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Re: Whats to love about Americans? [Re: fireworks_god]
    #6118511 -

I agree with you to a point. I think that our current war is going to result in a lot of bad shit going down. International opinion against us will become universally negative then I think that the current rise in conservatism will give birth to a backlash in which the pendulum will swing far to the left. After that maybe some middle ground will finally be acheived for a time.


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"A warrior is a hunter. He calculates everything. That's control. Once his calculations are over, he acts. He lets go. That's abandon. A warrior is not a leaf at the mercy of the wind. No one can push him; no one can make him do things against himself or against his better judgment. A warrior is tuned to survive, and he survives in the best of all possible fashions." ― Carlos Castaneda

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Re: Whats to love about Americans? [Re: fireworks_god]
    #6118525 -

fireworks_god said:
I think that, in dealing with the Islamic extremists, we are setting a course in which we will ensure that our country will remain stable, and that we will all melt together.

:earth: :sun: :headbang: :levitate:
Peace. :mushroom2:


Sorry, i did say i would bow out of this argument, but i have to comment! How the hell is America "dealing with Islamic Extremists"? have you forgotten that the man resposnibile for 9/11 (thats not Saddam Insane folks just in case you bought the misdirection hype) is still at large? Now that America has invaded and will continue to invade (by my estimates) middle eastern countries, its lands have never been in more of an unstable situation with regard to extremist terroism, and the U.S and U.K governments alike are doing nothing but making the situation worse with its contiuation of warped foreign policies that allowed for numerous breaches of humand rights and of course the illegal war and occupation of Iraq itself!

Thats all ive got to say for now, but please people, WAKE UP!

Edited by Sinbad (09/30/06 01:37 PM)

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Re: Whats to love about Americans? [Re: Sinbad]
    #6118547 -

Perhaps you misunderstand my point. I am stating that, because of this (regardless of how we went about it or its subsequent effects), we become conscious beforehand of the possibillities that would result. Obviously, our current actions are not aware of the consequences that are resulting, but I do believe that this is something that we are learning from, and I believe this is evident right now.

The growing sentiment is the general attitude and perspective on the matter that you are expressing here. That is my point. Eh?

:wink:

:earth: :sun: :headbang: :levitate:
Peace. :mushroom2:


--------------------
:redpanda:
If I should die this very moment
I wouldn't fear
For I've never known completeness
Like being here
Wrapped in the warmth of you
Loving every breath of you
:heartpump: :bunnyhug: :yinyang:

:yinyang: :levitate: :earth: :levitate: :yinyang:

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Re: Whats to love about Americans? [Re: fireworks_god]
    #6118559 -

I dont think our governments have learned anything, other than how to use a terrorist crisis to push its own conservative agendas. I also think that you are missing the point that our governments no longer care about about what the people think, as long as we get in line, pay our taxes, go to work, and continue to give our money and power away to those who dont deserve it and will continue to only use it for there own selfish purposes.


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Re: Whats to love about Americans? [Re: Sinbad]
    #6118581 -

Sinbad said:
I dont think our governments have learned anything, other than how to use a terrorist crisis to push its own conservative agendas.


The "government" cannot push it's own conserative agendas when the influential members of the government do not have conservative agendas. To think that the government is a singular identity with a singular agenda is not reflective of reality.

Quote:
I also think that you are missing the point that our governments no longer care about about what the people think, as long as we get in line, pay our taxes, go to work, and continue to give our money and power away to those who dont deserve it and will continue to only use it for there own selfish purposes.


I disagree. "What the people think" is what determines who the government is. The government is people, as well. To think of the government as being a distinct, conscious identity is a fallacy. Those who seek to work in the government have a responsibility to those who decide to put them there, and while they may have some ability to misuse their power, ultimately, if the people do not feel that they are satisfied with their actions, they will remove them from their position, and, typically, those who shared similar viewpoints and alliances with that person are liable to be removed as well.

:earth: :sun: :headbang: :levitate:
Peace. :mushroom2:


--------------------
:redpanda:
If I should die this very moment
I wouldn't fear
For I've never known completeness
Like being here
Wrapped in the warmth of you
Loving every breath of you
:heartpump: :bunnyhug: :yinyang:

:yinyang: :levitate: :earth: :levitate: :yinyang:

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Re: Whats to love about Americans? [Re: Sinbad]
    #6118582 -

That is all correct. That is why we should all focus on positive change...not complain. If this is a concern then the only thing to do is to act in a constructive manner.


--------------------
"A warrior is a hunter. He calculates everything. That's control. Once his calculations are over, he acts. He lets go. That's abandon. A warrior is not a leaf at the mercy of the wind. No one can push him; no one can make him do things against himself or against his better judgment. A warrior is tuned to survive, and he survives in the best of all possible fashions." ― Carlos Castaneda

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Re: Whats to love about Americans? [Re: fireworks_god]
    #6119167 -

fireworks_god said:
Sin bad said:
I don't think our governments have learned anything, other than how to use a terrorist crisis to push its own conservative agendas.


The "government" cannot push it's own conservative agendas when the influential members of the government do not have conservative agendas. To think that the government is a singular identity with a singular agenda is not reflective of reality.

Quote:
I also think that you are missing the point that our governments no longer care about about what the people think, as long as we get in line, pay our taxes, go to work, and continue to give our money and power away to those who don't deserve it and will continue to only use it for there own selfish purposes.


I disagree. "What the people think" is what determines who the government is. The government is people, as well. To think of the government as being a distinct, conscious identity is a fallacy. Those who seek to work in the government have a responsibility to those who decide to put them there, and while they may have some ability to misuse their power, ultimately, if the people do not feel that they are satisfied with their actions, they will remove them from their position, and, typically, those who shared similar viewpoints and alliances with that person are liable to be removed as well.

:earth: :sun: :headbang: :levitate:
Peace. :mushroom2:


Well, i have to disagree again. The voting system in America is very corrupt, therefore who is elected is no longer decided by the majority, but by those who have influence and power over the media. Also the media spin machines have influenced many Americans to voting in a certain way that is really contradictory to there own best interests.

I personally believe that fundamentalist Christan's are behind most of the decisions that take place in powerful places in the U.S government structure. They ARE organized and they ARE unified in their agendas. Luckily enough Bush isn't entirely this way, although he does seem to reflect, and protect most of their conservative interests.

But to be honest, their are worse places to live, and worst governments to be under. America does have alot of good things going for it, if only the people really would get up off of their asses and make a difference, same for the U.K., and any other country really.

You see, i have to say some nice things, they may be watching..... :paranoid:


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Edited by Sinbad (09/30/06 06:03 PM)

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Re: Whats to love about Americans? [Re: Sinbad]
    #6119252 -

Sinbad said:
The voting system in America is very corrupt, therefore who is elected is no longer decided by the majority, but by those who have influence and power over the media. Also the media spin machines have influenced many Americans to voting in a certain way that is really contradictory to there own best interests.


So these people are not capable of making their own decisions, then? I'm personally barely exposed to media at all, and when I am, it is through the internet. From my standpoint, the notion that the media is casting some spell over the population is a spectacular one that doesn't seem to be based in reality. Regardless of "spin machines", it is the responsibility of individuals to reach their own conclusions from that which is reported, and if they are incapable of doing so, it is not as though the media is influencing their voting - individuals are allowing themselves to be influenced by the media.

I always see policitians blame the media as having an agenda agansit them, when the policitians themselves are naturally at fault for holding the views that they do, or engaging in the behaviors that they do, or at failing to receive public approval. There is no real difference between this and proposing a conspiracy that the media controls how individuals vote.

Quote:
I personally believe that fundamentalist Christan's are behind most of the decisions that take place in powerful places in the U.S government structure. They ARE organized and they ARE unified in their agendas.


It sounds as though they are the only individuals to hold an opinion on the way things should happen in the country and to make a point of expressing it to those who are capable of implementing it. It would be no wonder that they are often appeased, then. If you aren't capable of standing up and expressing one's views on a matter, and living a life that will ensure that others do so, then its no surprise that others will and will be listened to.

Quote:
Luckily enough Bush isn't entirely this way, although he does seem to reflect, and protect most of their conservative interests.


Probably because they are his constituency, obviously. They are the individuals who chose to have him represent them, and he is the man that somehow got elected as the President of the United States of America. He is there to serve the people, and he is going to identify most with the people who put him there and the ones who want to work with him towards their own goals.

America's government is based upon representation. That is what government is. It is the people who exist within a country who choose what they want represented and who will effectively represent that. The only thing that could possibly be corrupt about the voting system is instances in which voting machines have been tampered with, or perhaps creative line drawing on congressional district maps. :lol:

I think the greatest opportunity in America is the ability to stand up and be. If we choose to be an individual that is capable of something and we decide to effectively engage in seeking it, then we will obtain it. They don't call it the land of opportunity for nothing. :grin:

:earth: :sun: :headbang: :levitate:
Peace. :mushroom2:


--------------------
:redpanda:
If I should die this very moment
I wouldn't fear
For I've never known completeness
Like being here
Wrapped in the warmth of you
Loving every breath of you
:heartpump: :bunnyhug: :yinyang:

:yinyang: :levitate: :earth: :levitate: :yinyang:

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Re: Whats to love about Americans? [Re: Huehuecoyotl]
    #6120894 -

Huehuecoyotl said:
"There are many sad things about American culture."

Yes, but why not focus on positive change instead of dwelling on what we do not like.

"I was once asked why I don't participate in anti-war demonstrations. I said that I will never do that, but as soon as you have a pro-peace rally, I'll be there." --Mother Teresa


If you read my whole post you would see I was doing exactly that. :thumbup:


--------------------
"Don't believe everything you think". -Anom.

" All that lives was born to die"-Anom.

With much wisdom comes much sorrow,
The more knowledge, the more grief.
Ecclesiastes circa 350 BC

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